Miniature low-wattage neon light source

Abstract

A source of red light includes a double-bore capillary tube having a pair of ends and a convoluted shape. A pair of electrodes is located at one end of the capillary tube and disposed within respective bores. An ionizable medium is enclosed within the capillary tube and includes neon at a pressure from about 300 to 600 torr. When energized, the ionizable medium generates an arc discharge between the electrodes consisting primarily of radiation in the range of from 590 to 670 nanometers. An outer jacket of vitreous material may surround the capillary tube and contain an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) at a predetermined pressure.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A light source comprising: a double-bore capillary tube having a pair of ends and a convoluted shape, said capillary tube including a pair of U-shaped portions, each of said U-shaped portions having a pair of legs associated therewith, the legs of each pair being in a contiguous relationship or closely adjacent to each other;   a pair of electrodes located at one end of said capillary tube and disposed within the respective bores; and   an ionizable medium enclosed within said capillary tube and consisting of neon at a pressure within a range of from about 300 to 600 torr.   
     
     
       2. The light source of claim 1 wherein each leg of said pair is separated a distance not greater than 0.010 inch.